Campaign - Navigation System Update: Overview
06-039October 26, 2006
Applies To:
1996-97 3.5 RL - See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Product Update: Navigation System Loses GPS Signal
BACKGROUND
American Honda is announcing a product update campaign affecting a small number of 1996-97 3.5 RLs.
On affected vehicles, the GPS (global positioning system) receiver in the navigation unit retains GPS data in memory for 10 years from its manufactured date. After that, the navigation system will not initialize if the vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead. If this happens, the navigation system will not move past the GPS initialization screen.
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of potentially affected vehicles will be mailed a notification of this product update. An example of the client notification is at the end of this service bulletin.
In the notification clients are asked to make two visits to your dealership: One for you to identify the navigation unit and, if needed, send it to the vendor for updating. The second visit, needed only if the navigation unit was updated, for you to install the updated navigation unit.
Before beginning work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by checking at least one of these items:
^ The client has a notification letter.
^ The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.
In addition to these verification items, check for a punch mark above the seventh character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the navigation unit has already been updated.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
Within the two-year model range, only 527 vehicles are potentially affected by this product update. You will need to further identify these 527 vehicles by the reference number on the navigation unit's bottom label. For more information, see step 1 of REPAIR PROCEDURE.
NOTE:
If a 1998-99 3.5 RL is returned to you with a navigation system that won't initialize, check the navigation unit's reference number. Some of these later vehicles could have received an affected navigation unit during a previous repair.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Check the navigation unit reference number. If it's an affected unit, remove it and return it to Alpine for updating. When Alpine returns the navigation unit, reinstall it, and reinitialize the navigation system.
PARTS INFORMATION
No parts are needed; you will be reinstalling the client's original navigation unit after it is updated by Alpine.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Failed Part: P/N 39540-5Z3-315
Defect Code: 5NV00
Symptom Code: Q2400
Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Inside the trunk, look at the seven-digit reference number on the navigation unit's bottom label:
^ If the last two digits of the reference number are "A0," go to step 2.
^ If the last two digits of the reference number are "AC," "AD," or "AE," this product update does not apply. Return the vehicle to the client.
2. Make sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) position, then disconnect the wire harness connectors from the rear of the navigation unit.
3. Remove the navigation unit from its mounting bracket (four screws).
4. Using a permanent marker, clearly label the bottom of the navigation unit with the vehicle's VIN.
5. Make a photocopy of the navigation unit's bottom label. Keep the photocopy for your records.
6. Let the client know you are returning the navigation unit to the vendor for updating, and that this process takes about 10 business days. Also let the client know that the navigation system will not function during this time.
7. Return the navigation unit to Alpine for updating (see RETURN-FOR-UPDATE INFORMATION).
Leave the HDD/flash card in the navigation unit.
8. When the navigation unit is returned by Alpine (in about five business days), contact the client to make an appointment for the unit to be reinstalled.
9. Make sure the VIN written on the bottom of the navigation unit matches the vehicle. Then, with the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) position, reinstall the navigation unit in the reverse order of removal.
10. Initialize the navigation system. Refer to pages 7 and 8 of Service Bulletin 97-016, 1996-99 3.5 HL: TQI of the Navigation System.
11. Center-punch a completion mark above the seventh character of the engine compartment VIN.
RETURN-FOR-UPDATE INFORMATION
1. Complete the attached Navigation Unit Return-for- Update form, and make a copy of it.
2. Using a suitable box and packing materials, carefully pack the navigation unit and a copy of the Navigation Unit Return-for-Update form. Leave the HDD/flash card in the navigation unit. Make sure the navigation unit is clearly marked with the VIN. You are responsible for any lost or damaged navigation units. Keep all shipping documents and any insurance receipts.
3. Clearly label the outside of the box with your dealership name, dealer number, and return address. Label the box to the following address, prepaid, via UPS:
Alpine Electronics - SRE
Attn: Acura 3.5 RL Navi Unit
2012 Abalone Ave., Unit D
Torrance CA 90501
NOTE:
^ Alpine will replace the navigation unit's GPS receiver and ship the unit back to you in about five business days via UPS ground.
^ To check the update status of a navigation unit, call Alpine. Be prepared to give them the VIN of your client's vehicle or the navigation unit's serial number.
^ Keep all shipping documents and any insurance receipts.
^ If your client has further questions, have them call Acura Client Services.
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